Being a singer on tour in Australia can be fun and rewarding, but it can also be hard because the country is so big and has so many different landscapes. Here are some important tips that will help you plan and carry out a great tour of Australia.
- Take your time to plan your tour
Research places: Look into places and book them early. Australia has a wide range of places to go, from small clubs to big music halls. Think about who you’re writing for and what kind of experience you want to give them.
Route Planning: Carefully plan your route to save time and money on journey. Australia is a big country, and the biggest towns are quite far apart. Group your gigs by location to avoid going backwards more than necessary.
Timing: Think about when your tour is. Australia’s summer, from December to February, is great for events and concerts outside, but it’s also the busiest time for vacations. Spring and fall are also good times to go on a tour.
- Know the geography
Major towns: Pay attention to big towns like Adelaide, Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne. The music scenes in these towns are lively, and there are more venues and people going to see music.
Regional places: You shouldn’t forget about smaller towns and rural places. Their crowds are usually very excited, and it can be a great way to get more fans.
Climate Considerations: Know how the weather is in different parts of the world. It can get very hot and muggy in northern Australia, but it can get cooler in the south. Plan your clothes and gear ahead of time.
- Get all the visas and permits you need.
Work Visa: Make sure you have the right visa to work in Australia. Most musicians from other countries will need a Temporary Activity (Entertainment) visa (subclass 408).
Performance Permits: Certain events and places may need special licenses or permits. Make sure you have all the papers you need by calling each venue ahead of time.
- Use your money wisely
Travel Costs: Keep in mind that it costs a lot to get around Australia. It can get expensive for domestic trips, car rentals, and gas. Find deals and make good plans for your trip.
Accommodation: Set aside money for lodging, which can be pricey in big places. You could stay with friends, use Airbnb, or book cheap hotels and hostels as options.
Food and Other Expenses: Write down daily costs like food, which can be expensive in different places. Making a daily budget can help you keep track of your money.
- Get the word out about your tour
Local Media: Ask local news sites to interview you or write a story about you. You can get the word out about your gigs through local newspapers, radio stations, and internet publications.
Social Media: Connect with your fans in Australia on social media and let them know about your tour plans. Show your viewers what goes on behind the scenes and interact with them to get them excited.
Posters and flyers: Put up posters and flyers in the places where you’ll be playing. You can start by going to music shops, cafes, and community boards in your area.
Number 6: Get ready for the Australian audience
Get to Know Your Audience: Learn about the tastes of Australian viewers. They like real conversations and a wide range of music types. Make sure that your set list includes both well-known songs and your own unique songs.
Interact with Fans: Talk to your fans before, during, and after your shows. People in Australia like it when things are real and personal, so talk to your fans.
- Take care of the moving parts
Renting Gear: If you can’t bring all of your gear with you, you might want to rent it in the area. There are reliable rental companies in many cities that offer musical instruments and sound gear.
Modes of transportation: Plan how you’ll get from one job to the next. You could either fly, rent a car or van, or take the bus or train. Think about how you will move your gear.
Safety and Health : Make sure your trip insurance covers your health and your gear. Learn about the health and safety rules in your area and bring a simple first aid kit with you.
- Make connections with local musicians
Collaborations: Look for chances to work with artists in your area. This can help you get your show in front of new people and make it stand out.
Open Mic Nights: Take part in open mic nights and jam sessions to meet other artists and people who work in the music business. This could lead to useful links and chances in the future.
9. Being sensitive to other cultures
RespectLocalCustoms: Know what the practices and customs are in the area and follow them. It’s important to be aware of cultural differences, even though most Australians are friendly and easygoing.
Indigenous Acknowledgement: Thank the people who have traditionally lived on the land where you perform. People usually like it when people do this out of respect.
Final Thoughts
If you want to tour Australia as a musician, you need to plan ahead, make a budget, and learn about the music scene and history of the country. You can make sure your tour goes well by studying venues, learning about the area, getting the right visas, making a smart budget, advertising your tour, getting ready for the audience, managing logistics, making connections with local musicians, and being sensitive to cultural differences. If you work with a full-featured music distribution tool like Armus Digital, you can reach more fans all over Australia.